One of the most popular names in the SUV market is the Ford Explorer. With its rear-wheel-based architecture, this Ford flies in the face of most crossover models, delivering robust power, top handling, and excellent towing capabilities. For 2025, the Ford Explorer receives a fresh look, keeping it competitive in the midsize, three-row utility vehicle category. We spent one week with this model; read on, and we’ll dive into the driving experience.
1. Sleek New Design Updates
The 2025 Explorer showcases a fresh, modernized look that aligns with Ford’s current design language, appealing to both families and style-conscious buyers. The redesigned grille offers two style options, one emphasizing a rugged feel for off-road enthusiasts and another offering a refined, city-friendly look. In addition to the LED headlights, the Explorer features sleek LED taillights with dynamic lighting effects, enhancing its visual appeal. The vehicle’s aerodynamics have also been subtly improved, reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency, which becomes evident on long drives.
2. Electrified Options are Here
In a bid to appeal to eco-conscious drivers, the 2025 Explorer offers a new hybrid powertrain. This model pairs a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a battery-powered motor to enhance fuel economy, targeting an estimated 25-30 miles per gallon combined. The hybrid model is available in several trims, meaning drivers don’t have to choose between efficiency and luxury or technology. The hybrid also includes a regenerative braking system that converts braking energy into electricity to recharge the battery on the go, making it ideal for city driving or extended trips across the open road.
3. Improved Technology Suite
Ford has pulled out all the stops with tech in the 2025 Explorer. In particular, the new, larger infotainment screen ranges from 10 to 12.3 inches depending on the trim level, and the SYNC 4 software provides faster processing, voice commands, and the ability to multitask with split-screen functionality. With wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports available throughout the cabin, the Explorer is designed for connected families on the move. For audiophiles, Ford has partnered with Bang & Olufsen to offer a 12-speaker premium sound system in higher trims, delivering an immersive audio experience.
4. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety
Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Ford Explorer, and the 2025 model steps it up a notch. The Co-Pilot360 system not only offers essential safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance but also includes driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and a newly enhanced evasive steering assist. Additionally, the Explorer now comes equipped with a forward-facing camera that works in tandem with the adaptive headlights, adjusting the lighting based on road conditions to improve nighttime visibility.
5. Roomier Interior with Flexible Seating Options
Interior room is a key attraction in the 2025 Explorer, and Ford has made enhancements in both seating flexibility and comfort. The third row now offers an additional inch of legroom, catering to adult passengers who might need extra space. The Explorer provides several seating configurations; for example, the second-row bench can be swapped for captain’s chairs, offering easier access to the third row. New materials, including soft-touch surfaces and updated stitching on higher trims, make the Explorer feel like a more luxurious, high-quality space.
6. Available ST Performance Trim
The Explorer ST trim is the choice for drivers craving excitement behind the wheel. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine pushing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, it’s designed to deliver impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. Alongside its powertrain, the ST trim includes unique 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and sportier interior elements like contrast stitching and carbon fiber-like accents. A performance exhaust system also gives the ST a throaty, satisfying sound that sets it apart from other trims.
7. All-Wheel Drive Standard on More Trims
To meet the growing demand for all-weather capability, Ford has made all-wheel drive (AWD) more widely available in the 2025 Explorer lineup. Starting with the XLT trim and up, AWD now comes as standard, helping improve traction in rain, snow, and other low-traction conditions. The system is intelligent, detecting slip and automatically directing power to the wheels with the most grip. Drivers can also switch between driving modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow/Sand, which alter throttle response, transmission behavior, and stability controls to match road conditions.
8. Luxury Trims Get a Boost
The high-end Platinum and King Ranch trims in the Explorer lineup cater to buyers who want an SUV with premium finishes. The King Ranch model incorporates southwestern-inspired touches with rich, brown leather seats, woodgrain accents, and embossed logos on the seats and center console. The Platinum trim, on the other hand, leans into modern luxury, offering soft Nappa leather, massaging seats for the driver and front passenger, and advanced noise-canceling features to create a quieter cabin.
9. Tow Like a Pro
The 2025 Explorer maintains its capability as a towing SUV, offering a maximum tow rating of 5,600 pounds with the right equipment. This allows it to handle medium-sized trailers, boats, or campers comfortably. The new “Pro Trailer Backup Assist” makes reversing with a trailer easier by letting drivers steer their trailers via a dedicated knob on the dashboard. Additionally, the Explorer’s Tow/Haul mode optimizes the engine and transmission to handle heavier loads more effectively.
10. Competitive Pricing
The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $39,855 for the base Active trim, with higher trims like the ST-Line at $44,615, Platinum at $52,250, and ST at $54,260, plus a $1,595 delivery charge for all models. Furthermore, the variety of trims allows for different configurations to accommodate various budget levels and preferences, making it a versatile choice in the midsize SUV market.
The Market
Nearly every manufacturer has a presence in the three-row, midsize utility vehicle market. They’re the family vehicle of choice, replacing station wagons and minivans as the prevailing people movers of our time.
Other models to compare include the Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Passport. The Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90 are also in this segment. Rounding out the competitors are the Toyota Grand Highlander, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Our Experience
How will you experience the new Explorer? With this type of vehicle, we like to evaluate it in various conditions. Specifically, on the open road, locally, and off the beaten path.
On the Open Road
The Explorer feels most at home when cruising along long stretches of highway. The Intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures a stable and confident ride, maintaining a rear-wheel-drive bias until the road conditions require more grip. This not only contributes to a smooth, composed drive but also enhances fuel efficiency. Passing maneuvers are handled with ease, thanks to the strong torque output, making it feel responsive when you need that extra push. The steering is well-weighted, giving balanced feedback that makes for an engaging driving experience, even during extended road trips.
The adaptive cruise control is a welcome addition, keeping you at a steady pace and adjusting smoothly for other vehicles ahead. On a twisty backroad, the Explorer’s body roll is controlled, though it still retains that high-riding SUV feel. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and a touch of sportiness, especially in the sportier trims. With the latter, the stiffer suspension tuning enhances cornering confidence, making it enjoyable on winding roads.
In the City
Navigating city streets, the 2025 Explorer handles itself with surprising agility. Despite its size, the steering feels precise, and the turning radius is manageable for tight parking situations. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite aids with features like a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring, which makes lane changes and parking less stressful. The suspension soaks up road imperfections well, delivering a smooth ride over potholes and rough patches often encountered in urban settings.
The throttle response is well-tuned for stop-and-go traffic, with enough low-end torque from the EcoBoost engines to make accelerating from red lights feel effortless. The transmission’s shifts remain smooth, even at lower speeds, contributing to an overall refined city driving experience. The Explorer’s sound insulation keeps engine noise to a minimum, maintaining a quiet cabin even in the hustle and bustle of urban environments.
Off the Beaten Path
Switch the Explorer into its off-road driving modes, and it transforms. The Intelligent 4WD system automatically adjusts to provide more traction where needed, especially when venturing onto dirt trails or gravel roads. While it doesn’t have a traditional locking rear differential, the system’s ability to send power where it’s needed is impressive, making climbs and descents over uneven terrain smooth and controlled. In certain configurations, the Explorer benefits from a more rugged suspension setup and higher ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rougher terrain.
On rocky or muddy paths, the Explorer’s Terrain Management System excels. Selecting the appropriate mode, such as “Sand” or “Mud/Ruts,” optimizes throttle response and power distribution, ensuring steady progress through challenging conditions. It isn’t a hardcore rock crawler, but it’s capable of handling backcountry trails and accessing remote camping sites.
It’s a Wrap
In summation, the 2025 Ford Explorer emphasizes versatility, comfort, and updated technology. With a range of safety features, powertrain options, and a spacious interior, it remains highly competitive among midsize SUVs, suitable for city commuting, road trips, and family use.
See Also — Ford Ranger: Built Better Than Ever
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